HEALTHY PETS DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Mercola.com is required.

15 Thanksgiving Foods Your Pet Will Love

Story at-a-glance -

Whether or not you share your Thanksgiving meal with your pet really depends on what the meal consists of and what ingredients are used; cooked turkey meat is fine, as are a few fresh cooked veggies served plain

It’s best to blend a small portion of safe people food in with your pet’s regular food; offering food from your plate at the table, or in the kitchen during meal preparation or cleanup, can quickly turn your dog or cat into an incorrigible beggar

Most of the following foods will be more popular with dogs than cats, but they’re safe for both; be sure to serve them plain (no sugar, salt or spices, butter or other additives), in moderation and in small portions. Organic is always best

By Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

Whether or not you share your Thanksgiving meal with your pet really depends on what the meal consists of and what ingredients are used; cooked turkey meat is fine, as are a few fresh cooked veggies served plain. Examples of Thanksgiving people food you'll want to avoid giving your pet include dressing; processed or sugary foods; dishes containing raisins, grapes, onions, leeks or chives; bread, rolls, and butter; and all desserts.

It's best to blend a small portion of safe people food in with your pet's regular food; offering food from your plate at the table, or in the kitchen during meal preparation or cleanup, can quickly turn your dog or cat into an incorrigible beggar.

Most of the following foods will be more popular with dogs than cats, but they're safe for both; be sure to serve them plain (no sugar, salt or spices, butter or other additives), in moderation and in small portions. Organic food provides fewer contaminants and residues to you and your pets.

15 Thanksgiving Foods and Snacks Safe to Share With Your Dog or Cat

Apples

Apples contain powerful antioxidants and vitamin C. Serve apple slices to your pet, but never the core or seeds.

Blueberries

Fresh or frozen, blueberries are loaded with phytochemicals, and their deep blue hue is the result of anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries are also a good source of healthy fiber, manganese and vitamins C and E. Introduce blueberries slowly to your pet — too much too soon can cause digestive upset.

Carrots

Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Many dogs enjoy snacking on a fresh crunchy carrot, and some will even eat the green tops.

As an added bonus, even, conventionally grown broccoli is one of the cleanest (most pesticide-free) foods you can buy. Your pet may prefer broccoli steamed.

Kale

This dark green cruciferous vegetable is loaded with vitamins (especially vitamins K, A and C), iron and antioxidants. It helps with liver detoxification and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Fermented Vegetables

If you happen to be serving fermented veggies as part of your Thanksgiving feast, definitely offer some to your pet. Fermented foods are potent detoxifiers and contain much higher levels of probiotics and vitamin K2 than supplements can provide. Beneficial gut bacteria provided by probiotics break down and eliminate heavy metals and other toxins from the body, and perform a number of other important functions.

Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Pepitas, or raw pumpkin seeds, are a rich source of minerals, vitamin K and phytosterols. They also contain L-tryptophan and are a good source of zinc, vitamin E and B vitamins. Research suggests pumpkin seeds can prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and support prostate health.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene and antioxidants, and are also high in vitamins A and C. Sweet potatoes with purple flesh have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may lower the risk from heavy metals and oxygen radicals.

This green leafy vegetable has anti-inflammatory properties and can help support heart health.

Asparagus

Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K, A, B1, B2, C and E, along with the folate, iron, copper, fiber, manganese and potassium.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants. It can help alleviate both diarrhea and constipation. Make sure to feed your pet either fresh pumpkin or 100 percent canned pumpkin — not pumpkin pie filling.

Yogurt

Plain organic yogurt is high in protein and calcium, and most pets love it.

Cottage Cheese

Like yogurt, plain organic cottage cheese is high in calcium and protein.

Raw Almonds, Cashews and Brazil Nuts

These nuts, served in moderation and very small portions, are safe for dogs. Many nuts are not — especially tree nuts — so stick with these three to be on the safe side.

Shopping

HEALTHY PETS DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Mercola.com is required.